BIFA Awards
A strategic transition
Major shift to sustainability
When BIFA Ocean Services Award winner Denholm
suppliers in Spain to explore other opportunities to streamline the supply chain. One outcome was the decision to load goods directly into refrigerated containers at the point of origin, further reducing the need for road freight. Noting the financial and environmental benefits of this option, Reid added: “Of course, ocean can’t compete with a truck on transit time, but if you’re flexible and plan effectively, it’s the perfect option to reduce costs and reduce your carbon footprint.” Modal shift As environmental regulations tighten up, Reid believes the logistics industry will see an increasing modal shift from road to sea, alongside route changes, to optimise environmental performance. Road-based haulage remains a relatively popular short-term option, particularly for transporting perishable European goods to meet UK demand. However, said Reid, “we’ll see a greater shift towards electric HGVs and HVO-powered trailers, and increased investment in LNG-fuelled shortsea carriers.” Meanwhile, the growing role of rail as a greener alternative to road transport in Europe is evident, particularly from countries like Italy to Benelux ports, with onward sea freight to the UK. For now, though, road-based haulage maintains a slight advantage over rail when it comes to temperature-controlled logistics, Reid concluded. “Sustainability in logistics is no longer optional, it’s essential,” said Tom Reid, director of retail sales at Denholm Good Logistics. “The industry is undergoing a major shift, driven by regulation, consumer demand and the undeniable realities of climate change. Businesses that fail to adapt will be left behind. “Standardised reporting frameworks and guidelines are becoming the norm, ensuring businesses can’t just make bold claims – they must show real results,” he continued. “The shift won’t be easy, but those who embrace decarbonisation, green logistics and circularity will be the ones who thrive in the long term. It’s a challenge, but also a huge opportunity.”
“O ur strategic focus on has been a game changer,” said Tom Reid, director of retail sales at Denholm Good Logistics (DGL). The Compleat Food Group (CFG) relied heavily on road freight for moving goods from the EU to the UK. This was costly and contributed significantly to supply chain disruptions – in particular, Brexit- related port delays. Introducing a phased, strategic shift to sea freight overcame those delays, as well as reducing transportation costs, rent and demurrage expenses. When routing from Spain to the UK by road, one 45 ft shipment could expect to emit 4.05 tonnes of transitioning the group from road to sea freight greenhouse gases. Routing via Bilbao using sea freight, a 56% emission reduction was achieved, while going via Cadiz led to a further 45% cut in emissions. “By shifting to ocean freight, DGL has achieved a substantial reduction in transportation costs and an impressive 76% decrease in carbon emissions for our client, demonstrating the environmental benefits of leveraging sea freight’s economies of scale,” Reid said. DGL also enhanced CFG’s peak Good Logistics partnered with The Compleat Food Group to help it achieve greater supply chain ef fi ciency, it did so in a way that also dramatically reduced CO 2 emissions and costs. The main secret? A switch from road to sea freight
Tom Reid, Denholm Global Logistics
period management by improving forecasting and planning and providing additional chilled storage – all while CFG was expanding through acquisitions. “CFG has grown very quickly and there have been challenges,” Reid said. “When you’re aligning three or four businesses, it can lead to supply chain issues.” Additionally, demand for CFG’s products can vary greatly, making it essential to manage supplier expectations effectively. “In the fast-moving consumer goods industry, particularly in the food sector, consumer demand can be unpredictable,” Reid explained. “You need a logistics partner who can help you navigate the peaks and troughs – offering flexible warehousing, accurate forecasting and proactive peak season management. A purely reactive approach won’t cut it, but being too rigid can also prevent you from meeting your end customers’ needs effectively.” DGL’s proactive approach included visiting CFG’s core Port Express was established in 2004 to provide a comprehensive Ocean Services Award
“ By shifting to ocean freight, DGL has achieved a substantial reduction in transport- ation costs and an impressive 76% decrease in carbon emissions for our client – Tom Reid, Denholm Good Logistics
range of container transport services to the supply chain industry. Specialising in UK container haulage, Port Express works in partnership with its clients to provide innovative cost-effective supply chain solutions. Due to our ongoing investment and development in new equipment and technology, Port Express operates from strategic locations throughout the UK ensuring the level of service we deliver remains among the very best in the industry. Port Express operates to the highest standards and is committed to the health of safety of its employees, customers and visitors.
18 | November 2025
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